First Printed Map to Name Franklinia

Subject: Eastern United States

Period: 1787 (published)

Publication: Lettres d'un Cultivateur Americain

Color: Black & White

Size:

16.6 x 10 inches42.2 x 25.4 cm

An uncommon map of the early United States and the first printed map to name Frankland. Also known as Franklinia, it is shown here just west of the border of North Carolina, named Pays de Frankland. In 1785 settlers in western North Carolina and what would become eastern Tennessee organized a state government to be named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Congress turned down their appeal but the state maintained a legislature and governor until 1788. This ephemeral state appears on only a small number of maps. The 14th state of Vermont is named and noted in the key at right, with a notation in French that it was "not yet accepted in the confederation." Virginia is shown in a strange configuration and there is a square-shaped region denoted as Pays de Kentukey. Engraved by Pierre Francois Tardieu.

Crevecoeur was a French-born surveyor who settled in New York, where he produced this classic collection of twelve essays that reflected on the nature of American life, particularly its customs and manners. His description of bountiful American lands spurred many French people to immigrate to America. Howes says that Crevecoeur's work is a: "Description of American life of great influence in attracting European immigration in the post-revolutionary period. As literature unexcelled by any American work of the eighteenth century."

Condition: B

Issued folding on watermarked paper with light soiling and one minute hole at a fold intersection that has been closed on verso with archival tape. All fold have been reinforced on verso with archival tape. Remargined at right and left to accommodate framing.

Estimate: $350 - $450

Sold for: $800

Closed on 6/12/2013

Archived

About Us

Old World Auctions specializes in genuine antique maps, atlases and decorative graphics originating between the 14th and 19th centuries.